The first African American to win the world heavyweight championship, Jack Johnson was a cultural lightning rod whose professional success and lavish lifestyle attracted both admiration and envy. Johnson recounts without bitterness the prejudice, controversies, and scandals that dogged his public and private lives. This witty and sophisticated memoir also tells of his international adventures as a bullfighter, race car driver, cabaret entertainer, and spy. Includes 16 full-page illustrations and an introductory article by Damon Runyon. AUTHOR: Jack Johnson (1878?1946) was the first African American heavyweight boxer, holding the title from 1908 to 1915. His 1910 victory over the formerly undefeated champion James J. Jeffries in "The Fight of the Century" triggered race riots across the country. Johnson continued to box professionally until he was in his 60s.
